Özgür Kar (b.1992, Ankara, Turkey), lives in Amsterdam

Özgür Kar’s works assemble in space to function as scenes from theatre pieces: each serves as a character playing its part within a non-linear score and script. Working with voice actors and instrumentalists, Kar produces multi-part soundscapes that unfold through solemn repetition, forging existential dread mixed with cartoonish macabre. Stoic in their contemplation, his minimally animated drawings are set in imperceptible loops that turn videos into sculptures confined within the edge of television screens. Beyond the camp-ness of macabre, or the grotesque anxiety of death juxtaposed with cartoonish figures, the theatricality of Kar’s work is set in tonal displays of contemporary existentialism.

Recent solo presentations include: ROT, Edouard Montassut, Paris (2023); DAWN, The Renaissance Society, Chicago (2023); DAWN REDUX, Fridericianum Museum, Kassel (2023); FALL, Basement Roma, Rome (2023); At the end of the day, Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam (2022); STORAGE DRAMA, Emalin, London (2021). Kar participated in the 24th Biennale of Sydney (2024), 8th Yokohama Triennale (2024) and the 16th Lyon Biennial (2022).

Image: Death with flute, 2021
4K video with sound, 15mins loop 75”
Samsung TV, custom flight-case, media player, speaker